Transformers 2 Shot in Jordan

Variety.com reports that Transformers 2 shot in Jordan, specifically in the ancient city of Petra, Wadi Rum valley, and Salt.

With a total crew of 160 technicians - 60 sourced locally and the remainder from overseas - the "Transformers" shoot was a huge challenge for Jordan's Royal Film Commission. The complete support of the commission's chairman, Prince Ali, helped the org meet the challenge. The Jordanian Air Force was enlisted to aid the shoot as Bay lensed in the ancient city of Petra.

"We were able to get Michael Bay and his crew up to the top of a mountain in Petra by sunrise and back down again by sunset with the help of five helicopters from the air force," says the Royal Film Commission's George David. "No one has ever shot there before."

Bay also lensed in the valley area of Wadi Rum as well as the famously fertile city of Salt.

"The entire experience of being in Jordan, from our scouts months ago to our recently completed shoot, has been a total creative and production success," says Bay. "The people have been incredibly welcoming, the film commission was a hugely helpful daily presence, and the country, especially Petra, inspired everyone in the cast and crew."

Petra may be familiar to many for its use in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Exactly what the areas in Jordan are being used for, the pictures are examples of the area, not set related, in the movie is unknown but I am sure it ties directly into the Egyptian shoot and a possible tie-in it seems the movie will establish between Transformers and human civilization. Thanks to Richard for the link, pictures and info.